Thinking about heading to the coast for some holiday cheer? The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park in Charleston, SC is a family favorite—and for good reason! This drive-through light display is packed with glowing holiday magic, twinkling extras, and tons of fun for all ages.
Here’s what to expect for the 2025 season and why your family will love it.
🎄 2025 Festival Dates: November 14 – December 31, 2025
This article was updated with current 2025 dates and pricing.
The Drive-Through Light Show
Plan ahead if you’re visiting on a weekend—traffic to enter the park can back up fast. We visited on a weeknight and arrived around 5 pm (gates open at 5:30 pm). We were the third car in line!
Pro Tip: Buy your ticket in advance. It’s cheaper and helps you get through the gate faster. You can even buy it on your phone while you’re waiting in line.
Once you pass the ranger station, the lights begin almost immediately. Cars travel in two lanes, and you’ll want to turn on your parking lights to enjoy the full glow. Don’t forget to tune your radio to 102.5 FM for holiday music to set the mood!
Time it takes: If there’s no traffic, the route takes about 20 minutes to drive. About halfway through, there’s a pull-off for Winter Wonderland. We suggest doing the full drive first, then looping back for the extra fun!
Weekend Perks: If you go Friday–Sunday, you’ll find live entertainment, storytellers, character meet-and-greets, and even Dragon Boat events! Dragon Boat participants receive free admission to the light festival after their sunset paddle.
Take a Drive With Us: Watch!
Winter Wonderland Walkthrough
After your drive, head back to explore Winter Wonderland—a stroller-friendly, walk-around area packed with goodies.
Bathroom break? There are two restrooms: one by the fire pits behind the s’mores area, and one upstairs to the left of the gift shop.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Sled photo op
- Snack vendors
- Two gift shops
- Ice cream shop
- S’mores fire pits
Visit With Santa 🎅
Dates: November 14 – December 23, 2025
Time: 6 pm – 10 pm nightly
Santa’s snack break: 8 pm sharp (Blitzen gets cranky if his belly isn’t full!)
Santa’s elves will sign your family up for a virtual queue, and when it’s your turn, you’ll get a text alert. No fee to visit Santa, but photo packages are available to purchase if you want a keepsake.
Inclusive Santa Visits
Dates: December 7 & 14, 2025
Cost: $40 per family of five
Includes:
- A private, sensory-friendly visit
- A professional photographer
- All digital images from your session
These visits must be booked in advance.
Fun Extras (Open Nightly from 6–10 pm)
These activities do have a small fee, but they’re big on fun! Here’s what your family can enjoy in Winter Wonderland:
The Carousel 🎠
- Everyone else needs a ticket
- $2 per ride
- Kids under 42″ must ride with an adult (adult rides free)
Festival Express Train Ride 🚂
- $5 per rider (2 & under ride free on a lap)
- Catch the open-air tram and enjoy more lights!
- Be sure to buy tickets before 9:40 pm
Portable Rock Climbing Wall 🧗
- Friendly staff on-site to assist climbers
- $4 for two climbs
- Closed-toe shoes required
Stay Overnight at James Island County Park
Want to wake up to holiday cheer? Stay in the park!
For the ultimate holiday experience, you can book a campsite or cabin at James Island County Park, and have unlimited access to the lights and all of the other fun, during your stay.
The park has cottages, full hook-up RV sites, primitive camping, and campsites with water/power access. The most popular option for campsites with utility access is $60 a night. More information on camping options and booking availability can be found on the James Island County Park website.
- Cottages
- Full hook-up RV sites
- Primitive camping
- Water/power campsites (most popular: $60/night)
Bonus: If you stay in the park, you can enjoy the lights and festivities as often as you like during your visit.
2025 Holiday Festival of Lights Info at a Glance
📍Location: James Island County Park
📅 Dates: November 14 – December 31, 2025
⏰ Hours: 5:30 – 10 pm nightly
💵 Ticket Prices (Per Vehicle): Vary from $15-$45, depending on date and whether or not you purchase your ticket in advance or at the gate. Bring a canned food team and get $5 off your admission Monday- Thursday.
See ticket prices by date and purchase in advance.
Directions to James Island County Park
Address:
871 Riverland Drive
Charleston, SC 29412
Use your GPS or favorite maps app, and look for signs once you’re close. Be prepared for traffic on peak nights—pack snacks and holiday tunes!
Ready for a Magical Holiday Night?
The Holiday Festival of Lights is one of the most festive ways to celebrate the season in the Lowcountry. Whether you’re there for the drive-thru display, Santa, or s’mores by the fire, it’s an easy and joyful tradition your family won’t want to miss.
🎅 Been before? Tell us your favorite part in the comments! Or check out more holiday fun on our Charleston holiday guide.
Want to see more lights? WE DO!
Here’s the full guide to Christmas Lights in Charleston, SC
It has drive-thru displays, walk-thru options, FREE places to see Christmas Lights & MORE.
